When the North Wind Group purchased its first UVOST in 2012, it had big plans for the new screening tool. And after logging roughly 30,000 feet of data in remote, harsh conditions, it's ready to tell the tale. Read more.

Download the New OST Software

Now you can view, print, manipulate and manage UVOST and TarGOST data on your own with Dakota's new OST Software. Just go to our website to download the Lite or Pro version, depending on the functionality you need. Then, you'll be ready to take full control of your LIF data. Click here to learn more and download the new program.

Archaeological Crew Finds Success With SCOST

Are you familiar with Dakota Technologies' Soil Color Optical Screening Tool (SCOST)? This tool works the same as the UVOST and TarGOST, but it's designed for detecting soil color in a variety of applications. In fact, the Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) Department of Anthropology and Earth Science has written a research article about its ability to determine RGB and Munsell color values on an archaeological site. Click here to learn more about this project.

Impact of Soil Matrix

Variations in soil matrix can greatly impact LIF response, often by as much as an order of magnitude. Because LIF relies on the optical availability of NAPLs in front of the probe, the best soil matrix consists of large particles that are lightly colored. The large particles have open pore spacing where NAPLs can pool. Light colored soils reflect more light.

Jordan Lutz has joined Dakota Technologies as an environmental scientist. In his new position, Jordan will mainly be working in the field performing TarGOST site investigations. He's originally from Ada, Minnesota, and he attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where he earned a bachelor's degree in environmental studies. Jordan has previous experience in environmental studies, including the management of aquatic invasive species and also work with the DNR on walleye pond harvesting. "I feel incredibly fortunate to be on Dakota's team," he said. "I'm excited to go to work in the field and office."